The Visaya Island Group, where Cebu is located, belongs to the central part of the Philippine Islands. Cebu is located east of Negros Island and west of Leyte Island. To the southeast of Cebu is the island of Bohol. The distance between the islands of the Philippine archipelago is relatively small, and if you want to vacation in Cebu, you can visit the neighboring islands.
Near the northern tip of Cebu are the two small islands of Mactan and Badian. These are where the main resort area of Cebu is located. Malapascua Island is a pilgrimage destination for divers from all over the world.
It was with the island of Cebu that the history of the Philippines began for Europeans. In 1521, Magellan landed on the coast of Cebu. Unfortunately, he was soon killed by Lapu-Lapu, the chief of Mactan Island. Characteristically, both Magellan and Lapu-Lapu have monuments in Cebu.
The city of Cebu was founded in 1565 on the site of Magellan's death by conquistador Miguel de Lagazpi. It was from Cebu that Christianity, European education, and other elements of civilization began to spread through the Philippines. It was in Cebu that the first Spanish fortress was built. For a long time, the city was the capital of the Philippines until it was moved to Manila. But even now, it remains the capital of the province of Cebu and the most important city in the southern part of the Philippine Islands.
The current population of Cebu is about 866,000 inhabitants. The city is home to a major seaport. There are ten universities located in the city, in fact, it is the educational center of the Philippines. More details about the province of Cebu can be seen on its official website.
